John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment

Description

The CONN-NAHRO John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship supports college-bound residents of CONN-NAHRO member communities who face economic barriers to higher education. Administered by the CONN-NAHRO Scholarship Committee in collaboration with the CONN-NAHRO Golf Committee, the 2026 application cycle is open. The program focuses on helping students continue their education by awarding merit- and need-based scholarships in memory of John J. Kelly. The committee manages application review and selection.

- Purpose: Provide higher-education support to residents of CONN-NAHRO member housing communities.
- Administration: Managed by the CONN-NAHRO Scholarship Committee with the Golf Committee.
- 2026 status: Applications for the 2026 awards are available now.
- Memorial focus: Awards honor the legacy of John J. Kelly.

Eligibility

Applicants must be current full-time students enrolled for the Fall 2026 term at a two-year or four-year college, or enrolled full time in a vocational/certificate program leading to an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or vocational credential. Applicants must reside in or receive housing assistance from a CONN-NAHRO member housing authority or agency (including Section 8) and must be residents in good standing with that authority. This scholarship is limited to students living in Connecticut within CONN-NAHRO member communities. Part-time students and applicants living outside member jurisdictions are not eligible.

- Enrollment: Full-time for Fall 2026 at an accredited two- or four-year college or full-time vocational/certificate program.
- Residency: Must live in or be assisted by a CONN-NAHRO member housing authority or agency.
- Standing: Applicant must be a resident in good standing with their housing authority.
- Geographic limit: Applicants must be living in Connecticut within a CONN-NAHRO member community.

Award Value

Each John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship awarded for 2026 carries a $3,500 value. CONN-NAHRO typically awards three or more scholarships annually, subject to available funds and committee decisions. The scholarship amount is intended to assist with tuition and education-related expenses for the upcoming academic term. Specific award counts may vary year to year.

- Award amount: $3,500 per scholarship.
- Typical count: Three or more scholarships awarded annually.
- Purpose: To help cover tuition and education-related costs.
- Variability: Number of awards depends on available funding and committee decisions.

Application Requirements

A complete application package is required for consideration. Applicants must submit a completed John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship Application Form, a signed recommendation from the Executive Director/CEO (or designee) of the applicant’s CONN-NAHRO member housing authority, the applicant’s college transcript, and three additional signed letters of recommendation. The package must also include a 250–500 word essay responding to the prompt “Tell us about a time when you had a belief or idea challenged?”, a list of accomplishments (awards, honors, activities, employment, community service), and proof of financial aid and other sources of assistance (proof of financial aid must be received by June 17, 2026).

- Mandatory form: Completed John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship Application.
- Recommendations: One signed Executive Director/CEO (or designee) letter + three additional signed letters.
- Academic record: Current college transcript required.
- Essay: 250–500 words on the provided prompt.
- Financial documentation: Proof of financial aid and other assistance (due June 17, 2026).

Selection Criteria and Scoring

Selection is based on a point-weighted evaluation across need, academic performance, written essay, and activities/work experience. The committee assigns points as follows: Need (30 points); College grades/class rank/GRE (25 points); Essay content (20 points); Work experience/extracurricular/community service (20 points); 3.0 GPA or higher (5 points); and Not previously awarded a CONN-NAHRO scholarship (5 points). The total point allocation guides award decisions; higher combined scores enhance an applicant’s likelihood of selection.

- Need: 30 points.
- Academic performance: 25 points.
- Essay: 20 points.
- Experience and service: 20 points.
- Bonus points: 5 points for 3.0+ GPA and 5 points if not previously awarded a CONN-NAHRO scholarship.

Submission Process

Applications must be submitted through the applicant’s CONN-NAHRO member housing authority; applicants must give their completed package to the Executive Director/CEO (or designee) for review and submission. Do NOT submit applications directly to the Scholarship Committee—the member authority must forward the completed application and attachments. The member housing authority is responsible for ensuring completeness and transmitting the package to the CONN-NAHRO Scholarship Chair.

- Submission channel: Applications go to the Executive Director/CEO of the applicant’s CONN-NAHRO member housing authority for forwarding.
- Direct submissions: Direct applicant submission is not permitted.
- Authority review: Member housing authority must review and submit the complete package.
- Committee receipt: The Scholarship Chair receives applications from member authorities.

Timeline and Conditions

The 2026 scholarship applications are currently available; recipients are publicly recognized at the Scholarship Luncheon during the CONN-NAHRO Annual Convention in August. Scholarship funds will be disbursed by September 1, 2026. CONN-NAHRO reserves the right to revoke and require repayment of the award if a recipient does not enroll at the identified institution for Fall 2026. Applicants should confirm specific internal deadlines with their housing authority and the application materials.

- Application availability: 2026 cycle open now.
- Recognition: Recipients acknowledged at the Annual Convention Scholarship Luncheon in August.
- Funding: Awards paid by September 1, 2026.
- Condition: Scholarship may be revoked and repayment required if recipient does not attend in Fall 2026.

History of the Award

The John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship is a CONN-NAHRO award established to honor John J. Kelly by supporting students from member housing communities. The scholarship emphasizes access to higher education for individuals who face economic barriers and is sustained through CONN-NAHRO committee efforts and fundraising partnerships. The program has a recurring annual cycle that includes application, committee review, and award recognition.

- Namesake: Established in memory of John J. Kelly.
- Mission alignment: Supports economically disadvantaged students from member communities.
- Governance: Sustained and awarded by CONN-NAHRO committees.
- Annual cycle: Recurring application and award process each year.

If you need a printable checklist of required documents or a sample timeline for submission, I can prepare one formatted for distribution to applicants and member housing authorities.